Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Victoria Atkins and Alan Brown

Tuesday 20th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[Victoria Atkins]

I have a great deal of respect for the hon. Lady, but I must point out to her gently that we have, in fact, conducted that review. In the autumn statement, we were able to announce a £13.6 billion package of help over the next five years, including a multiplier freeze for all ratepayers, large and small; a transitional relief cap funded by the Exchequer; retail, hospitality and leisure relief; and a small business support scheme, which will help to cap bill increases at £600 per year for any business losing eligibility for some or all small business rate relief or rural rate relief at the 2023 revaluation. We have done that review and are supporting businesses that need help.

[Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)]

13. What recent assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential effects of energy prices on the cost of living.

Afghanistan Policy

Debate between Victoria Atkins and Alan Brown

Monday 13th September 2021 Commons Chamber

[Victoria Atkins]

I ask the hon. Gentleman to write to the Minister for the Armed Forces.

[Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP)]

In trying to justify allowing only 5,000 refugees in through year one of resettlement scheme, the Minister said that that followed consultation with local authorities, based on capacity and assimilation. Will she publish the collated information that shows that, cumulatively, all local authorities in the UK responded that they could take only that figure of 5,000?

[Victoria Atkins]

The hon. Gentleman may not have heard when I referred to the fact that we were looking at the Syrian resettlement scheme, which is widely regarded as being a success. That scheme was resettling 5,000 people a year.